The Minnesota Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) today announced its 2016 award winners, following an event Thursday evening at The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis. The event was attended by approximately 400 Minnesota interior designers, architects and industry professionals.

“The significance of interior design extends beyond providing furnishings. Our profession works to deliver guidance in space utilization, product sourcing, sustainability and developing environments that meet and exceed expectations for functionality and comfort,” said Lola Watson, ASID, Board Chair for the Minnesota Chapter. “Our annual awards gala is an opportunity for us to showcase the need for, and examples of, the highest level of creativity within the industry.”

The highlights of the evening included the announcements of the association’s highest award: Designer of Distinction. Christine Frisk, ASID, of InUnison Design was provided with that honor during the evening’s award ceremony.

“I am beyond honored to receive this award and honored to work with our team at InUnison Design. We are a group of gifted interior designers, experienced draftspeople and so many other talented professionals,” said Frisk. “This award is a testament to the work we do as a team and to the collaboration and creativity that InUnison Design is able to provide to our clients.”

In addition to a Designer of Distinction, two awards are provided for Best in Show, highlighting the most impressive designs within the commercial and residential spaces.

Best in Show – Commercial – was awarded to “A Fresh Spirit of Place,” designed by Renee LeJeune Hallberg, Allied ASID; and Kirsten Goodwin, ASID; and Team; of RLH Studio.

A Fresh Spirit of Place included design of a 167,000 square-foot senior living facility, intended to bring an inviting residential aesthetic and comfort to every aspect of the living environment. The completed design took inspiration from the building’s location in a charming, turn-of-the-century resort village and included a timeless, yet modern, design scheme based on classical finishes and crisp nautical colors and patterns.

Best in Show – Residential – was awarded to “Cottage Kitchen,” designed by Todd Hansen, Allied ASID; and Team; of Albertson Hansen Architecture, Ltd.

The design goal for Cottage Kitchen was to remodel a 1923 cottage-style home on an urban lake. The original kitchen was on the back of the home, away from views and light and cut off from the other living spaces. The solution was accomplished by adding a single-story, gabled form that complemented the original home with a vaulted ceiling that allowed daylight to be brought in.

More than 40 awards were provided last evening. In addition to the honors noted above, some of the most distinctive categories and award winners included: